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GCI theory and language change

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Richard Waltereit

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Abstract

Levinson (1995, 2000) and Traugott & Dasher (2002) suggest that semantic change proceeds from particularized conversational implicature via generalized conversational implicature to coded meaning. However, this model is ultimately neither theoretically nor empirically tenable. Our alternative proposal builds on the assumption that PCI are in the communicative foreground of a message while GCI are in its background. The following sequences therefore seem to be possible: 1. A PCI semanticizes directly: PCI(* → GCI) → coded meaning. 2. A PCI turns into a GCI, but is not fully semanticized: PCI → GCI (* → coded meaning). 3. A GCI semanticizes, but only after being foregrounded as a PCI: GCI → PCI → coded meaning.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Hansen MBM, Waltereit R

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Acta Linguistica Hafniensia

Year: 2006

Volume: 38

Issue: 1

Pages: 235-268

Date deposited: 08/01/2013

ISSN (print): 0374-0463

ISSN (electronic): 1949-0763

Publisher: Routledge

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03740463.2006.10412200

DOI: 10.1080/03740463.2006.10412200

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